Hyundai Santa Fe VS Honda Passport: A Clash of the Midsize SUV Titans
The midsize SUV segment has long been one of the most competitive and lucrative markets in the automotive industry. With consumers looking for versatile, practical, and stylish vehicles that can comfortably transport their families and cargo, it’s no wonder that midsize SUVs have become a favorite choice among car buyers. Two of the top contenders in this segment are the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda Passport. Both SUVs offer a compelling combination of performance, comfort, and reliability, making them popular choices among consumers. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two vehicles to determine which one comes out on top.
Design and Exterior
When it comes to design, both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda Passport offer a modern and stylish exterior that is sure to turn heads on the road. The Santa Fe features Hyundai’s signature cascading grille, sleek LED headlights, and a bold body profile that exudes sophistication and elegance. The Honda Passport, on the other hand, boasts a rugged and sporty look with its aggressive front fascia, muscular body lines, and distinctive LED taillights.
In terms of size, the Santa Fe measures at 187.8 inches in length, 74.4 inches in width, and 66.1 inches in height. The Passport, on the other hand, is slightly larger, measuring at 190.5 inches in length, 78.6 inches in width, and 71.6 inches in height. While the Passport offers more interior space and cargo capacity, the Santa Fe is more maneuverable in tight spaces and easier to park in urban environments.
Interior and Comfort
Inside the cabin, both the Santa Fe and the Passport offer premium materials, comfortable seating, and a host of tech features that make driving a pleasure. The Santa Fe’s interior is well-designed and sophisticated with soft-touch materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, and ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Passport, on the other hand, boasts a spacious and versatile cabin with plenty of storage compartments, adjustable rear seats, and a plethora of standard and available features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a premium audio system.
When it comes to cargo space, the Passport shines with its 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 77.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Santa Fe, on the other hand, offers 35.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 71.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. While both SUVs provide ample room for luggage and gear, the Passport’s superior cargo capacity gives it an edge in terms of practicality and versatility.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the Santa Fe offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Passport, on the other hand, comes equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Both SUVs come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offer optional all-wheel drive for improved traction and stability in various driving conditions.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Santa Fe gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with its base engine, while the turbocharged engine achieves 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Passport, on the other hand, delivers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is slightly lower than the Santa Fe. Overall, both SUVs offer respectable fuel economy for their class, with the Santa Fe being slightly more fuel-efficient than the Passport.
Safety and Technology
In terms of safety, both the Santa Fe and the Passport come standard with a suite of advanced safety features and driver-assist technologies to help prevent accidents and protect occupants. The Santa Fe includes features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Passport, on the other hand, offers similar safety technologies, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring.
When it comes to infotainment and connectivity, both SUVs offer a user-friendly touchscreen interface with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Santa Fe features an 8-inch touchscreen display, while the Passport comes with a slightly larger 8-inch touchscreen display. Both SUVs offer a premium audio system, navigation, and a wireless smartphone charger as optional features, allowing drivers and passengers to stay connected and entertained on the go.
Price and Value
In terms of pricing, the Santa Fe has a starting MSRP of $26,850 for the base SE trim, while the Passport starts at $32,790 for the base Sport trim. The Santa Fe offers a more affordable entry point for consumers looking for a budget-friendly midsize SUV, while the Passport provides a higher level of standard features and performance for a slightly higher price. Both SUVs are backed by generous warranties from their respective manufacturers, ensuring peace of mind and confidence in their reliability and durability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda Passport are both excellent choices in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment. The Santa Fe offers a stylish design, comfortable interior, fuel-efficient engines, and a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for a versatile and practical SUV. The Passport, on the other hand, boasts a more spacious cabin, powerful V6 engine, superior cargo capacity, and a host of standard safety features, making it a compelling choice for drivers who prioritize performance and utility.
Ultimately, the choice between the Santa Fe and the Passport will come down to personal preferences, budget, and priorities. Whether you value fuel efficiency, affordability, comfort, or performance, both SUVs offer a well-rounded package that is sure to meet the needs and demands of modern car buyers. Whichever SUV you choose, you can rest assured that you are getting a reliable, capable, and stylish vehicle that will provide years of enjoyable driving experiences on the open road.
